Climate Activists Break Into Tata Steel Site Despite Ban
June 24, 2023 at 11:42 Update: 12 minutes ago
In a bold move, climate activists entered the Tata Steel site in Velsen on Saturday, defying a ban imposed by the mayor. Breaking open the gates to loud cheers, hundreds of activists have gathered on the site, demanding action against pollution caused by the company.
The mayor had previously banned such demonstrations and declared an emergency ordinance for the Tata Steel site, which will remain in effect until 7 a.m. Monday. Despite this, the activists managed to enter the premises.
The police are present at the scene, with officers driving vans, bicycles, horses, and motorcycles. However, there is no police presence on the Tata Steel site itself, only security guards from the company. As of now, the security guards have not taken any action against the activists, according to reporters on site.
Tata Steel has responded to the incident, stating that entering the site “entails security risks.” A spokesperson for the company explained that Tata Steel in IJmuiden is a fully continuous company, and the production processes cannot be stopped abruptly. The site also falls under a strict supervision regime for the risk of major accidents. Trains are constantly running on the site, making it dangerous for unauthorized individuals to enter.
Meanwhile, Greenpeace and other activist groups have called for the closure of certain parts of Tata Steel due to pollution concerns. Three groups of activists left a nearby tent camp around 10:45 am, carrying banners with messages such as “Stop the pollution” and “Close sickening parts of Tata Steel.” The activists, wearing red overalls and covering their faces with purple handkerchiefs, masks, or gas masks, also carried numerous flags. They chanted slogans like “Flight, flee, flee, cancer in the sky” to draw attention to the harmful substances released during incidents with black smoke clouds.
In response, Tata Steel has stated that it shares the same end goal as the action groups. The company announced last year that it would accelerate greening at the IJmuiden factory. By 2030, Tata Steel aims to have an installation running on hydrogen and reduce CO2 emissions by 5 megatons. The company’s ultimate aim is to become climate neutral by 2045.
“We will not stop until we have achieved our goals,” said director Hans van den Berg. “We want to improve the living environment, with concrete measures and tangible results. That is not an empty slogan because those local residents are also us.”
The situation at the Tata Steel site remains tense as activists continue their protest, demanding immediate action to address the environmental concerns associated with the company’s operations.
Why do the activists believe that peaceful protests and negotiations alone are no longer effective in addressing the climate crisis
Ding to reports.
The activists, who call themselves climate warriors, argue that Tata Steel has been responsible for significant air and water pollution, leading to health issues for local residents and contributing to climate change. They believe that stronger measures need to be taken to hold the company accountable and to transition to more sustainable practices.
This is not the first time that Tata Steel has faced criticism for its environmental impact. In recent years, the company has been under scrutiny for its high carbon emissions and failure to meet pollution control standards. The activists see their direct action as a necessary step to push for change and ensure that corporate interests do not continue to put the planet and people at risk.
The bold move of entering the Tata Steel site, despite the ban, is seen as a symbol of the growing frustration and urgency felt by climate activists worldwide. With the effects of climate change becoming increasingly visible and destructive, many believe that peaceful protests and negotiations alone are no longer enough.
The activists are calling on Tata Steel to drastically reduce its carbon emissions, invest in clean energy solutions, and prioritize the well-being of the local community and the environment. They are also demanding transparency and accountability from the company regarding its environmental impact and efforts to mitigate harm.
The police are expected to take action to remove the activists from the site, but it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold. As the confrontation continues, climate activists around the world are closely watching this bold act of civil disobedience, hoping that it will inspire others to take a stand against corporate polluters and demand immediate action to address the climate crisis.
